The flash on the camera snapped and everything went black. “Hello?” I cried, my voice echoing into the void suddenly surrounding me. “HELLO!” I wailed, hoping for something or someone to respond. The only sound was my voice trailing off.

I shut my eyes as tight as I could, like I did when I was little and thunderstorms would cast shadow monsters across my room. When I would open my eyes, the monsters would be gone. I was certain that this time when I opened my eyes, the darkness would be gone.

I stopped dead in my tracks, my heart nearly beating right out of my chest. Okay, deep breaths, L. I thought to myself. Nothing to be afraid of. I’m sure it’s just a branch or a bird. A nocturnal bird. I worked to slow my breathing as I made my way back down the stairs. Nothing to be afraid of, I whispered, grabbing the knife off the kitchen table as I made my way back to my room. Nothing at all.

I set the knife on the nightstand. I flipped on the light and grabbed my book. Sleep was long gone by now. As I read, the words started to blur, my eyes fluttering softly.

The morning of my funeral was quiet, albeit for the church bells that rang loudly throughout the town while a light drizzle dampened the neighborhood. The sun hung low behind the deep clouds. Cars idled slowly down the streets towards the church. The air hung thick with benevolence. Umbrellas dotted the parking lot. Dark red roses lined the walls, wafting a sweet smell throughout the damp, dark day. Roses, of all the flowers they could have chosen. I would have preferred sunflowers.